Violent clashes at an unauthorized anti-Israel rally in the Swiss capital of Bern this weekend left 18 law enforcement officers and two demonstrators injured, and caused extensive property damage, police said Sunday.

The demonstration in the city on Saturday afternoon drew more than 5,000 people, including a large number clad in black and wearing masks, who clashed with police and vandalized property.

The “demonstration escalated into unrest, causing significant property damage,” Bern police said in a statement.

“Law enforcement officers were also repeatedly attacked with dangerous objects,” including construction equipment, furniture, rocks, bottles, fire extinguishers, fireworks and laser pointers, it said.

Police responded “with force,” using water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and police batons, it added.

In all, 16 male and two female officers were injured, including four who had to be hospitalized, police said, adding that it was aware of two other people who required medical attention following the clashes.

#Bern (BE): Vermummte Chaoten lösten bei einer unbewilligten

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